R'

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Pronunciations

R' (Ruh) listen

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Definitions

  • n. An abbreviation for the title Rabbi, Rav, Rabba, or other rabbinic term that precedes a last (or sometimes first) name.

  • n. An abbreviation for the honorific 'Reb'.

Example Sentences

  • "R’ Shmuel took the cup, made a bracha with tremendous kavana (concentration), and drank it." (source)

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Languages of Origin

  • Textual Hebrew
  • English

Etymology

  • Latin-letter imitation of the Textual Hebrew/Aramaic tradition of abbreviating רבי or רב as ר or 'ר

      • Who Uses This

      • Religious: Jews who are engaged in religious observance and have some Jewish education
      • Orthodox: Jews who identify as Orthodox and observe halacha (Jewish law)

      Regions

      • North America

      Dictionaries

      • None

      Alternative Spellings

      R, R.

Notes

  • This practice is found in other Jewish languages, such as Judeo-Arabic in the Kuzari. The use of R' for Reb is more common in Orthodox communities, while non-Orthodox communities generally intend R' to refer to Rabbi, Rav, etc. R' and R. are only orthographic; either would be pronounced "reb" in orthodox Ashkenazic communities.

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